Improvement in corsets



VCAROLINE LHAMLIN;

l.Improvement in Corset and Skirt Supporters.

Patented Novl 14,1871.

CAROLINE L. HAMLIN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN CCRSETS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 120,967, dated November 14, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GAnoLiNE L. HAMLnv, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in Corsets and similar articles of wearingapparel; and do hereby declare the following to be a full and exact description thereof, reference being had to the ac- 4 companying drawing forming a part of this spec ication, in which- Figure 1 is a view of a corset supplied with my improved stiffening. Fig. 2 is a sectional View of the same.

The nature of my invention consists in the use of peculiar materials, and in the manner of their adjustment and arrangement in a garment as a stiiiening.

A shows the body of a corset, which can be made of any shape or material. B is an intermediate iilling or lamina, formed of one or more layers of textile fabric of requisite tenacity and pliability, preferably Canton flannel, which, after being interstratiied, the Whole of the materials composing the various and combined laminee are stitched together so as to produce a series of projecting ridges in groups of desired number, size, and quantity, those portions of the garment so interlined and stitched presenting corrugated surfaces. By these means any desired degree of stiffness can be secured on any portion of a garment, for, by increasing or diminishing the number of interlayers, particular portions may be rendered unyielding or pliable to the degree desired, as it is not necessary th at in every instance the number and thickness of the layers be maintained their full length.

The advantages of this manner of stiffening are various: First, it can be applied to washing garments without impairing the spring or lessening the stiffness, for wet does not injure it, nor

"does heat, as in the case of bone, wood, metal,

rubber, and various other materials in common use, for the interlayers being fastened securely to the fabric of which the garment is formed, when dry are restored to their original rigidity. Secondly, the wear and tear is avoided that is occasioned by the friction of the articles most in common use. Thirdly, the fracture that occurs by the use of fragile substances is obviated, and the danger occasioned by their breaking avoided. Fourthly, the contour and graceful lines of the form can be followed and maintained by the use of my stiffening properly adjusted, thus dispensing with cumbersome pads that are unhealthy and otherwise objectionable. Fifthly, the garment and its stiffening can be washed together without separation, as is necessary when bone or similar substances are used.

I am aware that efforts have been made to stifi'en garments by inserting between the materials of which they are formed rows of cords or wicking, placed side by side 5 but each of these act independently of each other, and eac/h will stretch, swell, and stretch by itself, having a tendency to throw the garment out of shape, while interlay ers as proposed by me, being all united, ac t only as a body.

Havingnow fully explained my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s

A new article of manufacture, consisting of a corset, skirtsupporter, or similar article of wearing apparel, in which the stiffenin g is composed of interlayers of textile fabric stitched to and forming a component part of the garment, substantially as described.

CAROLINE L. HAMLIN.

A. D. BELLows. (80) 

